Coppell ISD gets city approval for 21,000‑sq‑ft Lakeside Elementary expansion; traffic review not required by council

Coppell City Council on Sept. 9 approved a planned development amendment allowing Coppell ISD to build a 21,054‑square‑foot one‑story addition to Lakeside Elementary, subject to standard engineering, platting and signage conditions. The council removed a Planning & Zoning condition that had requested a traffic impact and management plan.
Project scope: The addition adds classrooms (including pre‑K), a storm shelter wing, art space and an administration/nursing/counseling suite. Two rear additions and one front addition will be single‑story. The district said the architectural design will match existing materials and that landscaping will be enhanced along Oakwood Lane, where the school adjoins three residential lots.
Why it matters: The expansion increases the school’s comfortable capacity and adds modernized instructional and safety space (including the storm shelter). Council members asked specifically about traffic implications during arrival and dismissal hours; the district said the additions are similar to recent school projects and will not materially alter operations.
Council action and conditions: The council approved the PD with staff conditions requiring engineering review, final platting to show fire lanes, conformance with city sign rules and allowance to retain the existing fence where it abuts residential property (instead of a masonry screening wall). Planning & Zoning’s suggested condition D — that CISD conduct a traffic impact and management plan — was removed from the final approval after council discussion. Councilmember Hill moved the approval without the traffic study requirement; the motion passed.
District comments: CISD representatives said the design mirrors a recent Valley Ranch Elementary expansion and estimated the comfortable student capacity would rise from about 600 to about 680 students with the net addition of classrooms (district briefing to council). The district agreed to work with city staff on any engineering or circulation issues raised during plan review.
Ending: The school may proceed to detailed design and permitting; city staff will review construction documents and the district will coordinate on platting, fire lanes and landscaping.